Bill > S1957

This bill establishes a process for recall elections in the town of Erving, allowing qualified voters to remove elected officials from office. To initiate a recall, at least 100 registered voters must file an affidavit with the town clerk detailing the officer and the grounds for removal. The town clerk will then provide petition blanks, which must be signed by at least 20% of registered voters within 20 days. If the petition is certified as sufficient, the town clerk will notify the officer, and if they do not resign within five days, a recall election will be scheduled between 60 and 90 days later, or potentially coinciding with another town election if it occurs within 100 days. The officer facing recall can run to succeed themselves, and other candidates will be nominated according to general election laws. The incumbent will continue their duties until the election, and if they are not re-elected, they will be removed upon their successor qualifying. Ballots will present a clear choice to recall the officer or not, and if the recall is approved, the candidate with the most votes for the vacant position will be elected. Importantly, recall petitions cannot be filed within six months of an officer taking office or within six months after a previous unsuccessful recall election, and individuals who have been recalled or resigned during recall proceedings are barred from town office for two years.